How is Skin Cancer Treated?

Each year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, and this can lead to a host of physical and emotional challenges. But there’s good news because most cases of skin cancer can be cured if they are detected and addressed early. 

At Cochise Oncology, we offer a full spectrum of cancer treatment services including, radiation oncology, medical oncology, infusion services, and pain management. 

Skin Cancer Tucson

How is Skin Cancer Treated? 

Our doctors perform skin biopsies to check for skin cancer and other skin conditions. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which we remove a small sample of your skin for testing. 

Although a skin cancer diagnosis can be scary, early detection gives you the time you need to get appropriate treatment before cancer spreads. That’s why skin screenings are critical, especially if you have a high risk of developing the disease. 

Excisional surgery, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common treatment options for skin cancer. The approach used will depend on the type of cancer, the location, and how advanced it is.  

The most common types of skin cancer we see are – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. 

Treatment for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers 

The treatment approach for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers will depend on the severity of cancer. Tumors that have not spread to other areas of the body can be treated with topical chemotherapy. 

Chemotherapy (chemo) is a cancer treatment that uses potent drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Topical chemotherapy involves the application of medication in the form of a cream or ointment to the skin. 

Cryosurgery (freezing) is an effective treatment for small basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells.  

Deep tumors are removed from the skin using excisional surgery. This involves cutting out the cancerous tissue along with some surrounding healthy skin. 

Treatment for Melanoma 

If you have been diagnosed with melanoma, you will need to have the tumor removed. Surgical removal or excision is the most common treatment for melanoma. 

Radiation therapy is also effective for skin cancer. This approach uses high doses of radiation energy to fight cancer cells. 

Treatment for skin cancer isn’t the same for everyone. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, the treatment approach we recommend will depend on the type, size, and depth of the skin cancer you have.

Our oncologists will take the time to carefully review the various skin cancer treatment options with you and recommend the most effective treatment based on the above factors. 

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to learn more about melanoma? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!

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